Genji Sampson, 40
Senior graphic designer, Council for Advancement and Support of Education and owner of a graphic-design business, Dindi Design Studio.

What she’s wearing:
Custom-tailored vintage dress from Meeps in Adams Morgan, Calvin Klein shoes, and a Fossil ring.

Tell us how you scored this amazing dress.
“I had a few alterations done to it at Park’s Cleaners. We made the sleeves three-quarter length, took in the waist, and had it shortened above the knee to make it look more modern. I can’t take full credit for the find: One of my best friends was shopping with me, and she said I should try it on and have the alterations done to make it really fit me. She works for Yves Saint Laurent, and I adore her eye for fashion. The best part about that dress is that it was on sale—50 percent off a $26 price tag, so after the sale, the dress was $13. The full alterations cost $65.”

Lunar Massage, across the street from several new condo buildings and the new Safeway at Fifth and K streets, Northwest, showcases 20-foot ceilings, oversize windows, and hardwood floors. Small screens separate two massage areas from a central section of massage chairs and a small desk that serves as an office and reception area. The only goods for sale (other than massages, of course) are a small selection of T-shirts and photographs by the same artist who completed the not-yet-hung wall art.

Joanna Robinson, a 28-year-old former fundraising specialist, channeled her entrepreneurial drive by launching Lunar Massage, a small shop at the corner of New York Avenue and Fifth Street, specializing in seated-chair and fully clothed table massages for on-the-go professionals.

Lukas Smith, 30
Barista, Big Bear Cafe

What he’s wearing:
Pants from eBay, corduroy jacket from “a monster thrift store” in Maryland, a “fancy French scarf,” his grandfather’s tasseled loafers, pocket square and tie from Jos. A. Bank: “It’s my power tie. The guy who sold it to me held it up and said, ‘Now, this—this is a powerful tie.’ ”

Describe your style.
“New-wave Italian cowboy gigolo with a little fop. And probably a little Left Bank devil-may-care.”

Favorite thing in your closet?
“My Hermès pocket square. The French translation of the design is ‘Indian fantasies.’ It has fuchsia peacocks on it. It’s fantastic.”

The tasseled loafers are kind of an unexpected touch.
“You really don’t see them. At least not worn this way, I mean. You’ll see guys wearing them who never stopped wearing them with khakis. I liked them but almost stopped myself from wearing them. You can’t do that. You have to wear what you love.”

We spotted Sara Bronnenkant, an event planner for the Bipartisan Policy Center, who describes her style as “preppy American with a French twist.” Check out the video below to find out what she thinks about Washington fashion (hint: outdated) and her advice for shopping during tough economic times.

Boutiques such as Urban Chic, Ginger, Sherman Pickey, Hysteria, and Sassanova showcased fall and winter merchandise at more than 75 percent off, and many also offered up to 30 percent off current spring merchandise.

The sale, now in its seventh iteration, is run by the nonprofit Labels for Love, and each year benefits a different charity. This year, the benefactor was Kid Power, an organization committed to improving the lives of DC youth. It was expected that more than $25,000 would go to the charity through ticket sales, booth fees, and proceeds from items sold at the silent auction.

The venue represented a change from the former Galleria at Lafayette Center, and the two-level shopping experience was a favorite with many guests. “It’s amazing what a change of venue will do,” said event cochair Barbara Martin of the Patton Group.

Move over, New York—DC’s got a newcomer on the style scene, and it’s nipping at your stylish gladiator sandals. Hu’s Wear opened Saturday at 29th and M streets in Georgetown, just a block down from sister store Hu’s Shoes.

The airy, two-level space (the basement level isn’t open yet) stocks unique designers, statement styles, and a small selection of handbags and jewelry from names such as Barbara Bui, Willow, Megan Park, and Bruno Grizzo, most of which are not shown in any other DC boutiques.

“In the past year, I’ve seen a stunning array of women’s ready-to-wear that truly speaks to the Hu’s client,” says owner Marlene Hu Adalba. “I’ve traveled to Milan, Paris, and New York and found pieces that really fill a void here in Washington.”

Philip Goyette, 23
DJ and Urban Outfitters employee

What he’s wearing:
Levi’s 511 jeans, Charles 8½ leather jacket, Triple 5 Soul military-inspired jacket, Sneaky Steve shoes (“They’re great­—I have them in white, too”).

Are you wearing anything from Urban Outfitters?
“Actually, pretty much everything I’m wearing. The buyers are really good at finding designers.”

How would you describe your style?
“I try to go for things that are tailored. I like anything current and ahead of the curve.”

Where else do you shop?
“Stussy, Durkl, American Apparel, Palce5ive, and Commonwealth.”